Mariners' Jorge Polanco is running out of things to prove in remarkable rebound season

For the past few years, Seattle has struggled to find a productive second baseman. It was part of a broader issue with the infield that was a concern as recently as this year, but second base was arguably where the team was hurting the most. After Abraham Toro, Adam Frazier, and Kolten Wong all failed to fill the role in the eyes of the organization and its fans, the Mariners traded for Jorge Polanco in 2024. He had been a solid piece of the Twins lineup, but it initially seemed like he would also fall victim to Seattle's second base curse.

A plethora of injuries and knee issues culminated in a disappointing first season where Polanco posted a .566 OPS in the first half. After some rest, he managed to turn things around with a .740 OPS in the second half, but his season numbers were hardly anything to get excited about. Unsurprisingly, his $12 million option was declined by the team — and then, in a twist, they brought him back on a cheaper $7 million contract with a vesting $6 million player option.

Faced with the tough task of ingratiating himself with a fan base he had already let down, he got off to a hot start with a 1.226 OPS in the first month before experiencing a massive skid at the plate. This inconsistency made it difficult for fans to place their trust in him, especially since his offensive expectations were even higher now that he was primarily serving as the team's designated hitter.

Jorge Polanco has redeemed his Mariners tenure in 2025 playoffs

Lukewarm as sentiment for him may have been, he got a chance to change things in October. The postseason has a funny way of erasing any and all accomplishments in the regular season, good and bad. For Polanco, it was an opportunity he made the most of. In the second game of the 2025 Division Series, he led the Mariners to their first win, hitting two home runs against Detroit's seemingly untouchable ace, Tarik Skubal.

More recently, he delivered the game-winning RBI in a grueling 15-inning game to decide the series, creating his first historic moment with the franchise.

Though the journey hasn't been easy, Polanco has battled through injury, struggles at the plate, and a lack of fan support to get him to this point. What seemed like a disappointing offseason acquisition has now become the reason for the Mariners' upcoming trip to the ALCS for the first time in 24 years. With plenty of postseason left to play, the legend of Jorge Polanco could just be getting started for Seattle.